Most Georgia parents support banning cell phones in high schools, survey finds

The topic of cell phones in schools has been frequented by lawmakers in the past two legislative sessions. 

Georgia’s public elementary and middle schools started implementing a ban on cell phone use during the school day this year, and lawmakers are considering a ban for high school students as well.

Emory University conducts an annual survey of Georgia parents and found that most are in favor of a statewide ban in public high schools.

Julie Gazmararian, a professor of epidemiology with the Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University, told Georgia Public Broadcasting that research on policies surrounding cell phone bans is limited and her team is trying to fill some gaps. 

“Evaluating the impact of those policies and continuing to work closely with the schools and Department of Education and legislators, and sharing results of what we’re seeing after policies are implemented,” she said.

The survey shows that nearly 88% of parents feel the ban will improve students’ focus and learning, 71% feel it would encourage in-person interactions, and 69% think it would improve the mental health and well-being of students.

Among the nearly 30% of parents who oppose the ban, the most common reason for opposition was that they would not be able to reach their child during a school emergency (74.8%) followed by the decision should be the parent’s choice (45.5%).

Two Georgia schools that have implemented a ban have shared promising results saying that teachers are less stressed, students are learning better, and they have had fewer instances of bullying.

House Bill 1009 was introduced in the Georgia House Jan. 16, which would allow schools to extend their cell phone use bans to high school students.